Re: Compatability with iMac - Really

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JDL51 wrote:
I'm considering purchasing an iMac. While very highly rated in most respects, the iMac doesn't seem to be particularly compatable with most business software and MS products - including Office 2008. On the iMac forums and product reviews, the conscenus seems to be that the MS products don't work well with the iMac; that the modified software for Apple products as an after thought (or, perhaps, something more sinister). Complaints about slow speeds, programs crashing consistently and unfamilar layouts are common. Since I've gotten the iMac users view, I'd be interested in comments/complaints from Office aficionados. Thanks! -JDL51-

Hi,

The complaints I have usually revolve around the fact that Microsoft did not properly adapt a wonderful Macintosh application, Microsoft Office, when they ported it from Mac to Windows.

Don't be taken in by the arrogant assumption that Microsoft Office started off as a Windows application. It's heritage is Mac, not windows.

There's features in Mac office that still haven't made it to Windows. There's some Windows only features in Office. If there's something specific, please elaborate.

As far as crashes go, most of them are taken care of in service packs. Only the ones that can't be reliably reproduced remain. That's true of both Mac and Windows, and holds true of all practically all programs and operating systems.

As far as unfamiliar layout - you can't top Office 2007 on Windows. I think Microsoft went off the deep end with that one. At least Mac Office 2008 kept the menus, even if they needlessly moved a few things around on them.

Is there a particular "must have" feature you think isn't on the Mac?

-Jim

--
Jim Gordon
Mac MVP

MVPs are independent experts who are not affiliated with Microsoft.
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